Shoreham retained crews hit back at slow reaction claims

Questions have been raised by a number of people about Shoreham fire station's working practices after four fatal fires on its patch in the last 13 months.

The latest blaze killed Emma Macintosh, 25, on Saturday, April 21, and follows the deaths of Gwen Thresh in March, 2006, Michael Jacob in December and Arthur Mann last month.

All the fires started during evenings or nights '“ when Shoreham is covered by retained, rather than full-time, firefighters.

But fire service chiefs have dismissed speculation that Shoreham crews could have arrived faster at Ms Macinosh's home in Albion Street, Southwick.

Gary Towson, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman, said: "This is a devastating tragedy for the family, who never wanted their loss to be debated in this way.

"While as a service we would highlight the dangers of not having smoke alarms, we should respect the family and we will not enter into a speculative debate."

Firefighters focused their attention on the fact the fatal deaths in Shoreham occurred in circumstances they believe were largely preventable.

Emma Macintosh had no smoke alarm fitted, and the blaze which killed her started from a cooker while she slept on a sofa after a night out.

Gwen Thresh and Arthur Mann both died after discarded cigarettes set their homes on fire, possibly while both were asleep.

Mr Towson added: "We have got to drum home the message that every home should have a smoke alarm fitted and that people must be careful about fire."

For more about the fire which killed young mum Emma Macintosh, see this week's Shoreham Herald.